Zones In a Room Containing a Bath or Shower

The above locations require special consideration when installing or modifying any electrical equipment. BS 7671:As ammended pays particular attention to the type of equipment that is suitable for use in each zone. Most electrical equipment is given an IP rating (Ingress Protection) and this page shows the minimum degree of protection that must be achieve in each zone. Please see our seperate guide for a table on IP Ratings.

The diagrams below show a bathroom split into four clear zones. In zones 1, 2 and 3, if there is a likelihood of a water jet being used for cleaning purposes a minimum of IPx5 is required.

Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower itself and any fittings used here must be low voltage (max 12V) and be rated IPx7 which is total protection when immersed in water.

Zone 1 is above the bath to a height of 2.25m. A minimum rating of IPx4 is required here.

Zone 2 is an area stretching to 0.6m outside the bath and above the bath if over 2.25m. An IP rating of at least IPx4 is required here.

Zone 3 is anywhere outside zones 0, 1, and 2 (subject to specific limits) and where no water jet is likely to be used there is no IP rating required.